Copolymers of acrylamide (AM) and perfluoroalkyl acrylates and -methacrylates were synthesized in aqueous media containing perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and acetone as surfactants and dispersing agents, respectively and persulfates as initiators. The copolymers, especially those with 2(N-ethylperfluoro octane sulfoamido) acrylate (RFA) as comonomers were extremely effective at associating, giving much higher Brookfield viscosities compared to simple laurylacrylates (LA). Also, the molar contents of the RFA copolymers were generally much lower compared with LA copolymers. Addition of salts or increasing the temperature resulted in sharp viscosity increases in many cases. Viscosity decreases were observed with increasing shear, consistent with copolymer association through the perfluorocarbon groups. The Brookfield viscosity of a series of RFA containing copolymers measured at constant copolymer concentration showed a maximum as a function of RFA molar content. This indicated competing intra- and intermolecular hydrophobic association.